The Kasthall rug factory in Kinna, Sweden has woven and tufted carpets since 1889, and then as now they have full control of the production process – from yarn to finished rug.

The room filled with wool samples from floor to ceiling bears witness to the organisation and the quantity of carpets that have been produced over the years. In the late 19th century, the yarn was spun in the factory, which had its own yarn dyeing works. Today, yarns of wool and flax are purchased and the manufacturing methods have also changed over the years. Nevertheless, it is still handwork.

“Kasthall’s carpets are the carpet industry’s equivalent to art glass,” explains Lena Jiseborn, Range Director. “Product developers and designers work side by side and the personal contact in each step plays an important role for the final outcome.”

Several of Svenskt Tenn’s carpets are produced at Kasthall: both Josef Frank’s design from the 1930s and the latest addition, ”Trädgårdsmattan” (”Garden Carpet”), designed by Jakob Solgren in 2016.

The carpet, which is distinguished by a warped geometry and an oblong hole in the middle, required much innovative thinking for the traditional carpet manufacturer. Jakob Solgren Describes the motif as “A garden seen from above.”